Are you looking for ways to live, not just work? To rest, enjoy a healthy meal, and be present with your kids without constantly thinking about emails and deadlines? This is the place for you! Have you ever tried to Time Block like a Pro? Or Serotonin-Boosting Dinner? These two simple changes can transform your daily routine helping you to have a better balance, save time, boost energy, and enjoy life beyond work!
Today, I share the best ways to unplug from demanding work without feeling guilty!
Hello there! My name is Mina. Welcome to Work-Life Balance Hacks.
Here I share work-life balance tips, hacks for single parents, and self-care and wellness tips in my area of expertise as a health coach.
Does this sound familiar? You close your laptop, but your mind still runs through emails and to-do lists. You tell yourself, ”I’m done for the day,” but somehow, work thoughts creep in while making dinner. I used to feel this way all the time. No matter how often I tried to set boundaries, work would follow me into my evenings. But then I realized that unplugging from work isn’t just about taking breaks. It’s about resetting your mind, body, and priorities without feeling guilty. Because let’s be honest, work will still be there tomorrow. But your time, your energy, and your well-being? That’s what you risk losing.
Here are 10 easy-to-implement hacks that will help you unplug from your work so you can finally enjoy your life outside of emails and deadlines.
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You may also like other quick wins for better work-life balance!
1. Create a “Shut Down” Ritual (It’s Non-Negotiable!)
Your workday needs a closing routine that signals your brain it’s time to stop thinking about work.
- Set an alarm for the same time every day.
- Close all browser tabs.
- Write down any unfinished tasks for tomorrow and decide upon priority.
- Physically step away from your workspace.
You may even say something out loud like “I’m done for the day”. It sounds silly, but it helps your brain shift gears. Then you will need to maximize your evening energy with mini-routines. For more tips about mini-routines at evening, check this post.
2. Change Your Outfit Immediately
What is the most manageable mental switch after work? Changing clothes.
- Swap your work-from-home leggings for comfy sweats.
- If you work in an office, take off your blazer or shoes when you get home.
Your brain associates clothing with roles. Changing outfits signals “I’m off duty.”
3. Move Your Work Bag, Laptop, or Phone OUT of Sight
What if your work laptop is staring at you from the kitchen counter? You’ll keep thinking about it.
- Put your laptop in a drawer.
- Leave your work bag in a separate room.
- Log out of work apps on your phone.
If you work from home, use a dedicated workspace and step away when your day ends.
Learn how structured routine can help you to bring peace into your chaos in my post The Ultimate Work-from-Home Routine for Busy Moms here.
4. Replace “Checking Email” with a Real-Life Activity
Most people check email out of habit, not necessity.
- Instead of scrolling Slack, go for a 5-minute walk.
- Instead of reading emails, read an actual book.
- Instead of replying to messages, play with your kids or call a friend.
Your brain needs something to replace the habit. Choose one small, enjoyable activity you do right after shutting down work.
5. Set “No-Work Zones” at Home
Your brain connects physical spaces with activities. If you work from the kitchen table, guess what? It won’t feel relaxing when you’re eating dinner.
- Create work-free zones: No emails in the bedroom, no Teams/Slacks in the living room.
- Make the habit stick: If you’re done working, shut your laptop and leave your workspace.
Even if you work remotely, never work from your bed. It’ll mess with your relaxation time and sleep. This post may help you as well:
6. Use the “30-Minute Buffer” Rule
Have you ever finished work and immediately felt too mentally exhausted to enjoy your evening? You need a buffer period to reset your brain.
- Spend 30 minutes doing something non-work-related: cooking, exercising, or walking outside.
- Listen to music or a fun podcast (avoid career-related content).
- Keep it simple and enjoyable. The point is to transition your mind from work mode to life mode.
7. Get Outside for Even 5 Minutes
One of the fastest ways to detach from work stress is to step outside.
- Fresh air, combined with walk, resets your nervous system.
- Even 5 minutes of walking can help your brain switch from work mode.
- If possible, take a short walk after work without your phone.
For an extra boost touch grass, feel the sun on your skin, or take deep breaths. It signals to your body: “I’m done working.
8. Use “Do Not Disturb” Mode on Your Phone
Still getting notifications after work? No wonder it’s hard to unplug.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb from 6 PM–8 AM.
- Mute Slack, Teams, and email notifications after work hours.
- Let key contacts (like your manager) know when you’ll be available.
If you’re worried about missing something urgent, allow VIP notifications for certain people (but NOT for random emails).
9. Try the “Write & Release” Method
If you keep mentally replaying work problems, try this trick:
- Write down whatever is bothering you.
- Physically close the notebook or throw away the note.
Tell yourself: “This will still be here tomorrow, but right now, I’m off.”
P.S. our brains hate unfinished tasks but writing them down makes it easier to let them go for now.
10. Work is Not Your Identity
Your productivity doesn’t measure your worth.
- You are not your job title.
- The world won’t collapse if you don’t answer emails at 9 PM.
- Your life outside of work matters.
Make a mindset shift: Work is part of your life, not your whole life. Taking care of yourself actually makes you better at your job.
Congratulations! You Have Officially Unplugged from Work Without Guilt!
How does it feel? Do you suddenly realize how much time you actually have after work?
Now that you’ve freed yourself from work thoughts, what will you do next? Maybe something fun, exciting, or totally relaxing?
Here are some ideas I think you’ll love:
Or simply enjoy a quiet moment—because you’ve earned it!
What’s your favorite way to unplug after work? Let me know in the comments!
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